Ball signs with Jets

DURHAM — Former University of New Hampshire football star David Ball has signed with the New York Jets of the National Football League and was placed on the practice squad.

The Jets are his second NFL organization. The Wildcats' all-time leading receiver, an undrafted free agent, spent preseason training camp with the Chicago Bears before being cut. He re-signed with the Bears and was placed on their practice squad but was eventually released.

Ball teamed up with Ricky Santos to form one of the most prolific quarterback/receiving tandems in the country, and in 2006 made national news by becoming Division I-AA's career leader in touchdown catches with 58, eclipsing the old mark held by the legendary Jerry Rice. Originally a walk-on at UNH, Ball caught 304 passes at UNH for 4,655 yards and helped lead the Wildcats to three straight NCAA playoff appearances from 2004-06.

According to the Jets' website, the team has a couple of injuries at wide receiver: Jerricho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles. If their top two receivers can't play this weekend against the Miami Dolphins, that would leave the Jets with just four wide receivers on the active roster. Ball is one of three wideouts on the club's practice squad. The Jets are coached by former Patriots assistant Eric Mangini.

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